We recognise the important role that decent housing plays in promoting good physical and mental health and well-being, and in supporting independent living.
The London Borough of Bexley is embarking on the development of a 10 year Housing Strategy. Through working closely with partners and listening to and understanding our communities we will aim to deliver housing and housing support services that meet the needs of our diverse communities. But the aim is not just to build new homes. We want to create sustainable, healthy, high quality neighbourhoods where people want to live, play, learn and earn. Housing and housing related activity can have a positive impact on the health of residents and the local environment.
The strategy is closely linked to the Corporate Plan and the Growth Strategy and it will also inform other Council strategies such as the Learning Disabilities Strategy, Autism Strategy, Homelessness Strategy, Older Persons Living-Well Strategy and Preparing for Adulthood Strategy.
As a first step in this the Council has commissioned a Strategic Housing Market Assessment which will provide guidance on the extent of overall housing need within the borough in terms of type, tenure and size, as well as the need for affordable housing, and the specific housing and support needs of particular groups. This work will inform the continued development of the JSNA.
However we already know a great deal about housing need in Bexley and how this affects health and well-being as well as being a major provider of housing services.
Some of the key issues facing Bexley are:
- Ensuring access to settled housing that provides people with an affordable and suitable environment in which to live
- Commissioning that is informed by local needs and experiences
- Clear pathways which enable residents to access Housing Services in a timely way
- Addressing increasing demand for housing in the borough, the rise in homelessness and the number of people in temporary accommodation
- Developing a good understanding of the risks of becoming homeless and its potential impact on health and wellbeing
- Responding to the increasing need for temporary accommodation that is suitable to meet the needs of households in urgent need
- Provide prevention and early intervention services which help reduce homelessness
- Measures to ensure that homes meet decent standards and that relevant regulations are monitored and enforced where necessary
- Meeting the supported housing needs of vulnerable people with suitable housing and support in their own homes